In September, we asked for your help in pressuring the NIH to send chimpanzees still imprisoned on a New Mexico Air Force base to sanctuary. And, you showed up. 

Now, we are thrilled to share that the NIH has stated publicly that these animal research survivors will be sent to Louisiana-based sanctuary Chimp Haven!

The NIH is citing staffing concerns as the reason for its about-face. But, given the NIH’s tragic, suspect, and decades-long refusal to free these animals from their concrete prisons — refusal it maintained in the face of a contrary Congressional directive, legal action by animal protection groups, and proof that it was costing taxpayers more to keep the chimpanzees out of sanctuary — we know there is far more to the story…

…and we suspect it has something to do with each and every one of you who took action!

Thank you for standing with us for what’s right and pressuring the NIH to act. The fight has been long, but — for the estimated twenty-three Alamogordo chimpanzees who are still with us — we, together, have made all the difference.

It is expected that, early next year, these chimpanzees will begin their journey to the most natural and free life we can offer them — one thousands of miles away from the cages in which they endured harm and confinement for decades, and from which you helped set them free.

Says Chimp Haven:

“We’re excited to give them the opportunity to spend the rest of their lives in a beautiful, forested setting among a colony of friends living the Chimp Life – they deserve it.”

While we celebrate the release of these chimps to sanctuary, we know that our work to free animals from labs is far from over.

Right now, over forty chimpanzees remain at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, confined to a research facility without a plan for their release. These animals deserve the same chance at sanctuary, yet NIH has not committed to their relocation. Together, we can change that. Let’s make it clear to the NIH that these chimps, too, should know the peace and freedom of sanctuary.

Act Now: Send Your Message to the NIH

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